VUFO President Phan Anh Son Receives Delegation of the Global Collaborative Community

President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) Phan Anh Son received a delegation of 12 pastors from many countries, their family members, and two Institute for Global Engagement (IGE) representatives on December 4 in Hanoi. The delegation is led by pastor Bob Roberts, President of IGE.
December 05, 2024 | 08:02
VUFO and Vietnamese Representative agencies abroad Strengthening coordination
VUFO, Venezuelan Embassy to Vietnam Cooperate to Strengthen Bilateral Relations

At the reception, President Phan Anh Son shared information about Vietnam’s remarkable achievements after nearly 40 years of Doi Moi (Renewal) and its foreign policy of peace, cooperation, and development.

VUFO President Phan Anh Son, an international delegation of Protestant pastors, and two US-based Institute for Global Engagement representatives.
Delegates posed for a group photo. (Photo: Thu Phuong)

He also updated the delegation on the progress in Vietnam–US relations; and the roles and responsibilities of VUFO in fostering friendship between Vietnam and other countries and international organizations.

Regarding Vietnam’s religious situation and policies, the VUFO President stated that Vietnam is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country, with over 97% of its population having religious beliefs.

Vietnam has around 27 million religious followers, including over 53,000 dignitaries and nearly 145,000 officials working in different worshiping establishments.

Vietnam’s legal framework on belief and religion is comprehensive, ensuring freedom of belief and religion based on equality, harmony, and respect for the law. The Law on Belief and Religion of Vietnam respects and guarantees religious freedom for foreigners legally residing in Vietnam; supports religious organizations in publishing religious materials, and conducting charitable and welfare activities; and ensures the religious rights of individuals serving prison sentences.

During the meeting, the pastors shared their impressions of their first visit to Vietnam and raised questions regarding religion and belief in Vietnam and Vietnam–US relations.

On behalf of the delegation, pastor Bob Roberts expressed gratitude for VUFO's warm reception. He appreciated the information shared by President Phan Anh Son, emphasizing that the visit provided the delegation with a comprehensive and up-to-date perspective on Vietnam’s culture, people, and religious practices.

The Delegation of the Global Collaborative Community’s trip is part of the framework of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between VUFO and IGE.

This initiative aims to enhance friendship between nations and religious organizations, allowing international dignitaries to witness Vietnam’s development firsthand and receive accurate, objective insights into the religion and belief situation, and freedom of religion in Vietnam.

VUFO President Welcomes General Secretary of Communist Party of India VUFO President Welcomes General Secretary of Communist Party of India

President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) Phan Anh Son received Doraisamy Raja, General Secretary of the Communist Party of India on ...

VUFO President Receives US Veterans for Peace Delegation VUFO President Receives US Veterans for Peace Delegation

President of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) Phan Anh Son received a delegation from Veterans for Peace (VFP), led by Chuck Searcy, ...

Phuong Nguyen
Phiên bản di động